Air India Realigns Imphal Operations Amid Strategic Shift

Air India has announced the cessation of its full-service operations at Imphal International Airport, effective from June 15, as part of the company's broader strategic planning. According to officials from the Airport Authority of India (AAI), AI Express, the airline's low-cost subsidiary, will maintain its services at the airport.

This move comes in the wake of Airtime India's recent tragic incident in which 241 passengers lost their lives in a crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. However, AAI representatives clarified that the operational change is unrelated to any specific incidents and is part of a strategic realignment by Tata Group, the owners of Air India.

While Air India did not provide a comment, AAI officials noted the airline's historical significance in connecting Imphal with major cities across India. The transition to AI Express indicates a shift in service models but promises to sustain air connectivity for the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)